Astros report: Justin Maxwell shaking off the rust

Outfielder Justin Maxwell settled in at the plate during the Astros’ series against the Cubs.

He was 4-for-11 with a double and a walk.

Maxwell, 29, is 5-for-20 since being activated from the disabled list last Tuesday, but the Astros’ uneven play in the series left the fifth-year veteran saying his club needed to “regroup” before a challenging 17-game stretch.

“We need to just compete,” said Maxwell, who’s hitting .237 with a .680 on-base plus slugging percentage in 107 at-bats.

Odds and ends

The Astros lead MLB in errors (60) and are ranked last in defensive efficiency (.674). The club’s tied for 26th out of 30 teams in fielding percentage (.980). … Carlos Correa is hitting .321 with four homers, 45 RBIs and an .852 OPS for low Class A Quad Cities. The No. 1 pick of the 2012 draft is 20-for-41 in his last 10 games.

Jarred Cosart couldn't bear to watch as the worst season in Astros' history came to an excruciating end in extra innings.

Sept: 29: Yankees 5, Astros 1 (14 innings)

Jarred Cosart couldn't bear to watch as the worst season in Astros' history came to an excruciating end in extra innings.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Sept: 28: Yankees 2, Astros 1

Andy Pettitte went out in style by shutting down the Astros in a complete game for his last start as a MLB player.
Record: 51-110.

Sept: 28: Yankees 2, Astros 1

Andy Pettitte went out in style by shutting down the Astros in a complete game for his last start as a MLB player.
Record: 51-110.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Sept: 27: Yankees 3, Astros 2

The Astros 13th straight loss also gives them a new record in losses for a single season (109). The Yankees held on and closed out the Astros without even having to bring in Mariano Rivera.
Record: 51-109. less

Sept: 27: Yankees 3, Astros 2

The Astros 13th straight loss also gives them a new record in losses for a single season (109). The Yankees held on and closed out the Astros without even having to bring in ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Sept. 25: Rangers 7, Astros 3

Brandon Laird's fifth home run of the year gave the Astros a 3-1 fourth-inning lead, but the Rangers attacked Dallas Keuchel in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead for good - sending the Astros to their 12th straight loss and franchise-worst 108th loss.
Record: 51-108. less

Sept. 25: Rangers 7, Astros 3

Brandon Laird's fifth home run of the year gave the Astros a 3-1 fourth-inning lead, but the Rangers attacked Dallas Keuchel in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead ... more

Photo: Paul Moseley / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Sept. 24: Rangers 3, Astros 2

Houston was not mystified like it has been by Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish, but the Astros couldn't secure their early lead.
Record: 51-107.

Sept. 24: Rangers 3, Astros 2

Houston was not mystified like it has been by Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish, but the Astros couldn't secure their early lead.
Record: 51-107.

Erik Bedard was touched up for six runs on eight hits as the Indians overcome an early 2-0 deficit to rout the Astros and hand them their ninth straight loss.
Record: 51-105.

Sept. 22: Indians 9, Astros 2

Erik Bedard was touched up for six runs on eight hits as the Indians overcome an early 2-0 deficit to rout the Astros and hand them their ninth straight loss.
Record: 51-105.

Photo: Jason Miller / Getty Images

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Sept. 21: Indians 4, Astros 1

Cleveland struck for three first-inning runs and the Astros were not able to get on the board until the ninth inning as the Indians extended the Astros' season-long eight-game losing streak.
Record: 51-104. less

Sept. 21: Indians 4, Astros 1

Cleveland struck for three first-inning runs and the Astros were not able to get on the board until the ninth inning as the Indians extended the Astros' season-long eight-game ... more

Photo: Mark Duncan / Associated Press

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Sept. 20: Indians 2, Astros 1 (7)

Three errors committed by the Astros contributed to this rain-shortened loss to Cleveland.
Record: 51-103.

Sept. 20: Indians 2, Astros 1 (7)

Three errors committed by the Astros contributed to this rain-shortened loss to Cleveland.
Record: 51-103.

Photo: Jason Miller / Getty Images

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Sept. 19: Indians 2, Astros 1 (11)

The Astros lost their second extra-inning game in a row as Cleveland rallies past Houston in the 11th inning.
Record: 51-102.

Sept. 19: Indians 2, Astros 1 (11)

The Astros lost their second extra-inning game in a row as Cleveland rallies past Houston in the 11th inning.
Record: 51-102.

Photo: Jason Miller / Getty Images

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Sept. 18: Reds 6, Astros 5 (13)

The old NL Central division rival Reds took care of the Astros in 13 innings to complete the three-game sweep at Minute Maid Park.
Record: 51-101.

Sept. 18: Reds 6, Astros 5 (13)

The old NL Central division rival Reds took care of the Astros in 13 innings to complete the three-game sweep at Minute Maid Park.
Record: 51-101.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Sept. 17: Reds 10, Astros 0

Houston hit the century mark in losses without putting up much of a fight.
Record: 51-100.

Sept. 17: Reds 10, Astros 0

Houston hit the century mark in losses without putting up much of a fight.
Record: 51-100.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Sept. 16: Reds 6, Astros 1

Cincinnati outmuscled Houston in the first of a three-game set.
Record: 51-99.

Sept. 16: Reds 6, Astros 1

Cincinnati outmuscled Houston in the first of a three-game set.
Record: 51-99.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Sept. 15: Angles 2, Astros 1

Houston inched closer to a 100-loss season and lost the series to Los Angeles.
Record: 51-98.

Sept. 15: Angles 2, Astros 1

Houston inched closer to a 100-loss season and lost the series to Los Angeles.
Record: 51-98.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Sept. 14: Angles 6, Astros 2

The Astros found themselves down four runs after the fourth inning and weren't able to come back as the Angels took the second game of the series.
Record: 51-97.

Sept. 14: Angles 6, Astros 2

The Astros found themselves down four runs after the fourth inning and weren't able to come back as the Angels took the second game of the series.
Record: 51-97.

Photo: Eric Christian Smith / Associated Press

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Sept. 13: Astros 9, Angels 7

Cody Clark, a 32-year-old, had his first major-league hit for Houston against Los Angeles.
Record: 51-96.

Sept. 13: Astros 9, Angels 7

Cody Clark, a 32-year-old, had his first major-league hit for Houston against Los Angeles.
Record: 51-96.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Sept. 11: Astros 6, Mariners 1

The Astros got their 50th win of the season thanks to a solid starting pitching performance from Brad Peacock and an early cushion.
Record: 50-96.

Sept. 11: Astros 6, Mariners 1

The Astros got their 50th win of the season thanks to a solid starting pitching performance from Brad Peacock and an early cushion.
Record: 50-96.

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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Sept. 10: Astros 13, Mariners 2

The Astros tattooed Mariners pitchers to the tune of 13 runs in Seattle, taking the second straight game in the three-game set.
Record: 49-96.

Sept. 10: Astros 13, Mariners 2

The Astros tattooed Mariners pitchers to the tune of 13 runs in Seattle, taking the second straight game in the three-game set.
Record: 49-96.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Sept. 9: Astros 6, Mariners 4

Jimmy Paredes came through in the ninth inning to tie the game and Jonathan Villar broke the tie in the next at bat with a two-run single giving the Astros the lead for good.
Record: 48-96. less

Sept. 9: Astros 6, Mariners 4

Jimmy Paredes came through in the ninth inning to tie the game and Jonathan Villar broke the tie in the next at bat with a two-run single giving the Astros the lead for ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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Sept. 8: A's 7, Astros 2

Lucas Harrell got the surprise start, but the A's didn't care who was pitching as they roughed him up for seven runs in the third inning.
Record: 47-96.

Sept. 8: A's 7, Astros 2

Lucas Harrell got the surprise start, but the A's didn't care who was pitching as they roughed him up for seven runs in the third inning.
Record: 47-96.

Photo: Jason O. Watson / Getty Images

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Sept. 7: A's 2, Astros 1

Houston came up short in the third game of the series in Oakland.
Record: 47-95.

Sept. 7: A's 2, Astros 1

Houston came up short in the third game of the series in Oakland.
Record: 47-95.

Photo: Jeff Chiu / Associated Press

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Sept. 6: A's 7, Astros 5

The Astros couldn't hold onto an early lead in Oakland as the A's rallied to take the second game of the series.
Record: 47-94.

Sept. 6: A's 7, Astros 5

The Astros couldn't hold onto an early lead in Oakland as the A's rallied to take the second game of the series.
Record: 47-94.

Photo: Ben Margot / Associated Press

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Sept. 5: Astros 3, A's 2

Brad Peacock lasted seven solid innings as the Astros took the series-opener in Oakland.
Record: 47-93.

Sept. 5: Astros 3, A's 2

Brad Peacock lasted seven solid innings as the Astros took the series-opener in Oakland.
Record: 47-93.

Photo: Jason O. Watson / Getty Images

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Sept. 4: Astros 6, Twins 5

Trevor Crowe follows through on his walk-off single in the ninth to help the club avoid a series sweep.
Record: 46-93.

Sept. 4: Astros 6, Twins 5

Trevor Crowe follows through on his walk-off single in the ninth to help the club avoid a series sweep.
Record: 46-93.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Sept. 3: Twins 9, Astros 6 (12)

A three-run home run from Brandon Barnes in the ninth inning forced extras, but Minnesota eventually prevailed
Record: 45-93.

Sept. 3: Twins 9, Astros 6 (12)

A three-run home run from Brandon Barnes in the ninth inning forced extras, but Minnesota eventually prevailed
Record: 45-93.

Houston hit five home runs en route to a wild victory in Chicago.
Record: 44-86.

Aug. 26: Astros 10, White Sox 8

Houston hit five home runs en route to a wild victory in Chicago.
Record: 44-86.

Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press

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Aug. 25: Blue Jays 2, Astros 1

Houston won the war, but lost the battle that would have completed a sweep versus Toronto.
Record: 43-86.

Aug. 25: Blue Jays 2, Astros 1

Houston won the war, but lost the battle that would have completed a sweep versus Toronto.
Record: 43-86.

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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Aug. 24: Astros 8, Blue Jays 5

The Astros secured a series win over Toronto thanks to Jason Castro's 3-for-3 night at the plate.
Record: 43-85.

Aug. 24: Astros 8, Blue Jays 5

The Astros secured a series win over Toronto thanks to Jason Castro's 3-for-3 night at the plate.
Record: 43-85.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Aug. 23: Astros 12, Blue Jays 4

The Astros' offense came alive in the series-opening win against the Blue Jays. Houston hit Toronto's starter Todd Redmond hard in the 4th inning - accounting for five of its 12 runs.
Record: 42-85. less

Aug. 23: Astros 12, Blue Jays 4

The Astros' offense came alive in the series-opening win against the Blue Jays. Houston hit Toronto's starter Todd Redmond hard in the 4th inning - accounting for five of its ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Aug. 21: Rangers 5, Astros 4

Max Stassi left the game after being hit in the face by a pitch, and the Rangers rallied in the bottom of the 9th inning for a walk-off win to complete the sweep against the Astros.
Record: 41-85. less

Aug. 21: Rangers 5, Astros 4

Max Stassi left the game after being hit in the face by a pitch, and the Rangers rallied in the bottom of the 9th inning for a walk-off win to complete the sweep against the ... more

The Astros took the series finale - and the series - from the Angels in Los Angeles.
Record: 41-82.

Aug. 18: Astros 7, Angels 5

The Astros took the series finale - and the series - from the Angels in Los Angeles.
Record: 41-82.

Photo: Jeff Gross / Getty Images

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Aug. 17: Angles 6, Astros 5 (10)

Josh Hamilton's walk-off and a controversial call in the 10th inning lead to another Astros loss.
Record: 40-82.

Aug. 17: Angles 6, Astros 5 (10)

Josh Hamilton's walk-off and a controversial call in the 10th inning lead to another Astros loss.
Record: 40-82.

Photo: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

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Aug. 16: Astros 8, Angels 2

Houston's bats finally woke up and knocked Los Angeles' pitchers around to thte tune of eight runs off 13 hits to reach the 40-win mark on the year.
Record: 40-81.

Aug. 16: Astros 8, Angels 2

Houston's bats finally woke up and knocked Los Angeles' pitchers around to thte tune of eight runs off 13 hits to reach the 40-win mark on the year.
Record: 40-81.

Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

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Aug. 15: A's 5, Astros 0

Erik Bedard struggled in the first inning, surrendering three runs to the A's, and Oakland's young starter Sonny Gray was on his game as the A's avoided the three-game sweep by taking the final game of the series.
Record: 39-81. less

Aug. 15: A's 5, Astros 0

Erik Bedard struggled in the first inning, surrendering three runs to the A's, and Oakland's young starter Sonny Gray was on his game as the A's avoided the three-game sweep by ... more

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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Aug. 14: Astros 2, A's 1 (11 innings)

Robbie Grossman's leaping catch at the wall denied the A's Chris Young of a walk-off homer in the 10th inning.
Record: 39-80.

Aug. 14: Astros 2, A's 1 (11 innings)

Robbie Grossman's leaping catch at the wall denied the A's Chris Young of a walk-off homer in the 10th inning.
Record: 39-80.

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

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Aug. 13: Astros 5, A's 4

A gem by pitcher Jordan Lyles almost went to waste, but Houston found a way to pull out a win in the series opener against Oakland.
Record: 38-80.

Aug. 13: Astros 5, A's 4

A gem by pitcher Jordan Lyles almost went to waste, but Houston found a way to pull out a win in the series opener against Oakland.
Record: 38-80.

Houston's only run came in the bottom of the ninth inning as Texas won easily.
Record: 37-79.

Aug. 11: Rangers 6, Astros 1

Houston's only run came in the bottom of the ninth inning as Texas won easily.
Record: 37-79.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Aug. 10: Rangers 5, Astros 4

The Rangers hit the Astros' relievers hard again Saturday night, taking the second game of the four-game series in Houston.
Record: 37-78.

Aug. 10: Rangers 5, Astros 4

The Rangers hit the Astros' relievers hard again Saturday night, taking the second game of the four-game series in Houston.
Record: 37-78.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Aug. 9: Rangers 9, Astros 5

The Rangers attacked the Astros in the 8th inning for four runs and took the lead for good.
Record: 37-77.

Aug. 9: Rangers 9, Astros 5

The Rangers attacked the Astros in the 8th inning for four runs and took the lead for good.
Record: 37-77.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Aug. 7: Red Sox 7, Astros 5

Jarred Cosart provided a solid start for the Astros, who held a one-run ninth-inning lead, but Josh Fields was unable to close out the Red Sox as Houston drops the finale to Boston.
Record: 37-76. less

Aug. 7: Red Sox 7, Astros 5

Jarred Cosart provided a solid start for the Astros, who held a one-run ninth-inning lead, but Josh Fields was unable to close out the Red Sox as Houston drops the finale to ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Aug. 6: Red Sox 15, Astros 10

Houston raced out to a 5-0 lead but Boston proved to be the stronger offense as the game wore on.
Record: 37-75.

Aug. 6: Red Sox 15, Astros 10

Houston raced out to a 5-0 lead but Boston proved to be the stronger offense as the game wore on.
Record: 37-75.

Brad Peacock struck out 10 in seven innings of work, but the pitcher allowed two homers -- one early and one late -- that cost him a shot at the win.
Record: 36-74.

Aug. 4: Twins 3, Astros 2

Brad Peacock struck out 10 in seven innings of work, but the pitcher allowed two homers -- one early and one late -- that cost him a shot at the win.
Record: 36-74.

Photo: Andy Clayton-King / Associated Press

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Aug. 3: Twins 6, Astros 4

The Astros bullpen is becoming a real problem, as another late lead disappeared in another loss to the Twins despite solid starting pitching by Erik Bedard.
Record: 36-73.

Aug. 3: Twins 6, Astros 4

The Astros bullpen is becoming a real problem, as another late lead disappeared in another loss to the Twins despite solid starting pitching by Erik Bedard.
Record: 36-73.

Photo: Andy Clayton-King / Associated Press

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Aug. 2: Twins 4, Astros 3 (13)

It took 13 innings but the Twins finally found a way to get past the Astros, despite the fourth consecutive quality start from Jarred Cosart.
Record: 36-72.

Aug. 2: Twins 4, Astros 3 (13)

It took 13 innings but the Twins finally found a way to get past the Astros, despite the fourth consecutive quality start from Jarred Cosart.
Record: 36-72.

Photo: Hannah Foslien / Getty Images

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Aug. 1: Orioles 6, Astros 3

Bud Norris won his first game in Baltimore against his old team.
Record: 36-71.

Aug. 1: Orioles 6, Astros 3

Bud Norris won his first game in Baltimore against his old team.
Record: 36-71.

Photo: Patrick Semansky / Associated Press

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July 31: Astros 11, Orioles 0

Houston's offense was productive in the team's third win since the All-Star break.
Record: 36-70.

July 31: Astros 11, Orioles 0

Houston's offense was productive in the team's third win since the All-Star break.
Record: 36-70.

Photo: Gail Burton / Associated Press

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July 30: Orioles 4, Astros 3

Shortstop Jonathan Villar added some excitement by stealing home base, but Baltimore prevailed in the series opener.
Record: 35-70.

July 30: Orioles 4, Astros 3

Shortstop Jonathan Villar added some excitement by stealing home base, but Baltimore prevailed in the series opener.
Record: 35-70.

Photo: Gail Burton / Associated Press

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July 28: Blue Jays 2, Astros 1

The loss in Toronto dropped Houston to 2-8 since the All-Star break.
Record: 35-69.

July 28: Blue Jays 2, Astros 1

The loss in Toronto dropped Houston to 2-8 since the All-Star break.
Record: 35-69.

Photo: Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images

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July 27: Astros 8, Blue Jays 6

Houston held on to its lead Saturday with the help of three home runs.
Record: 35-68.

July 27: Astros 8, Blue Jays 6

Houston held on to its lead Saturday with the help of three home runs.
Record: 35-68.

Photo: Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images

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July 26: Blue Jays 12, Astros 6

Jordan Lyles left the game in line for a win, but the bullpen failed again leaving the Astros searching for their second win since the All-Star break.
Record: 34-68.

July 26: Blue Jays 12, Astros 6

Jordan Lyles left the game in line for a win, but the bullpen failed again leaving the Astros searching for their second win since the All-Star break.
Record: 34-68.

Photo: Jon Blacker / Associated Press

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July 25: Blue Jays 4, Astros 0

Mark Buehrle's two-hit shutout handed the Astros their sixth loss in seven games since the All-Star break.
Record: 34-67.

July 25: Blue Jays 4, Astros 0

Mark Buehrle's two-hit shutout handed the Astros their sixth loss in seven games since the All-Star break.
Record: 34-67.

Photo: Jon Blacker / Associated Press

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July 24: A's 4, Astros 3

Bud Norris gets a hug from manager Bo Porter after being taken out of the game in the seventh inning. Norris allowed three runs on four hits in what could be his final home game at Minute Maid Park.
Record: 34-66. less

July 24: A's 4, Astros 3

Bud Norris gets a hug from manager Bo Porter after being taken out of the game in the seventh inning. Norris allowed three runs on four hits in what could be his final home game at ... more

Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images

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July 23: Astros 5, A's 4

In his second start, Jarred Cosart pitched seven innings and allowed one earned run. It was his first outing at Minute Maid Park.
Record: 34-65.

July 23: Astros 5, A's 4

In his second start, Jarred Cosart pitched seven innings and allowed one earned run. It was his first outing at Minute Maid Park.
Record: 34-65.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For the Chronicle

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July 22: A's 4, Astros 3

Johnathan Villar had a successful debut, but the Astros' misery against Oakland continued.
Record: 33-65.

July 22: A's 4, Astros 3

Johnathan Villar had a successful debut, but the Astros' misery against Oakland continued.
Record: 33-65.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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July 21: Mariners 12, Astros 5

Seattle swept Houston easily by going up 7-0 in the second inning.
Record: 33-64.

July 21: Mariners 12, Astros 5

Seattle swept Houston easily by going up 7-0 in the second inning.
Record: 33-64.

Photo: Bob Levey / Associated Press

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July 20: Mariners 4, Astros 2

An early lead wasn't enough to put away Seattle. The Mariners had just one hit in a bizarre win at Minute Maid Park.
Record: 33-63.

July 20: Mariners 4, Astros 2

An early lead wasn't enough to put away Seattle. The Mariners had just one hit in a bizarre win at Minute Maid Park.
Record: 33-63.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 69 of 164

July 19: Mariners 10, Astros 7

Brandon Barnes' cycle overshadowed the loss as he completed the 8th cycle in franchise history in the losing effort in the first game back from the All-Star break.
Record: 33-62. less

July 19: Mariners 10, Astros 7

Brandon Barnes' cycle overshadowed the loss as he completed the 8th cycle in franchise history in the losing effort in the first game back from the All-Star break.
Record: ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 70 of 164

July 14: Rays 5, Astros 0

The Astros were shutout in the final game of the series in Tampa Bay and enter the All-Star break as a team in need of a lot of help to avoid another 100-loss season.
Record: 33-61. less

July 14: Rays 5, Astros 0

The Astros were shutout in the final game of the series in Tampa Bay and enter the All-Star break as a team in need of a lot of help to avoid another 100-loss season.
Record: ... more

Photo: James Borchuck / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Image 71 of 164

July 13: Rays 4, Astros 3

Three first-inning runs weren't enough for the Astros to hold on in the second game of the series against the Rays.
Record: 33-60.

July 13: Rays 4, Astros 3

Three first-inning runs weren't enough for the Astros to hold on in the second game of the series against the Rays.
Record: 33-60.

Photo: Scott Iskowitz / Associated Press

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July 12: Astros 2, Rays 1

Jarred Cosart's MLB debut was nothing short of spectacular as he shut down the Rays for eight innings of shutout ball while recording his first big-league victory.
Record: 33-59.

July 12: Astros 2, Rays 1

Jarred Cosart's MLB debut was nothing short of spectacular as he shut down the Rays for eight innings of shutout ball while recording his first big-league victory.
Record: 33-59.

Photo: MIKE CARLSON / Associated Press

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July 10: Cardinals 5, Astros 4

Matt Carpenter's 2-run shot in the seventh inning gave the Cardinals the lead for good as the Astros dropped both game of the two-game set in St. Louis.
Record: 32-59.

July 10: Cardinals 5, Astros 4

Matt Carpenter's 2-run shot in the seventh inning gave the Cardinals the lead for good as the Astros dropped both game of the two-game set in St. Louis.
Record: 32-59.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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July 9 Cardinals 9, Astros 5

Houston scored four runs in the ninth inning but St. Louis had already built too comfortable of an advantage.
Record: 32-58.

July 9 Cardinals 9, Astros 5

Houston scored four runs in the ninth inning but St. Louis had already built too comfortable of an advantage.
Record: 32-58.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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July 7 Rangers 5, Astros 4

With a chance to win the series in Arlington, the Astros came up short.
Record: 32-57.

July 7 Rangers 5, Astros 4

With a chance to win the series in Arlington, the Astros came up short.
Record: 32-57.

Photo: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press

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July 6: Astros 9, Rangers 5

Jason Castro's three-run shot in the seventh inning broke open a 4-4 ball game and propelled the Astros to victory.
Record: 32-56.

July 6: Astros 9, Rangers 5

Jason Castro's three-run shot in the seventh inning broke open a 4-4 ball game and propelled the Astros to victory.
Record: 32-56.

Photo: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press

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July 5: Rangers 10, Astros 5

Nelson Cruz's grand slam helped lead the Rangers past the Astros in the opening game of the three-game series.
Record: 31-56.

July 5: Rangers 10, Astros 5

Nelson Cruz's grand slam helped lead the Rangers past the Astros in the opening game of the three-game series.
Record: 31-56.

Photo: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press

Image 78 of 164

July 4: Rays 7, Astros 5 (11)

The Rays ruined the Astros' Fourth of July with an extra-innings victory in the series finale which also sealed the four-game series victory 3-1.
Record: 31-55.

July 4: Rays 7, Astros 5 (11)

The Rays ruined the Astros' Fourth of July with an extra-innings victory in the series finale which also sealed the four-game series victory 3-1.
Record: 31-55.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 79 of 164

July 3: Astros 4, Rays 1

Chris Carter broke open a tie game with a three-run shot in the seventh inning (his second homer of the day) and the Astros' bullpen held on for the win in the third game of the four-game set.
Record: 31-54. less

July 3: Astros 4, Rays 1

Chris Carter broke open a tie game with a three-run shot in the seventh inning (his second homer of the day) and the Astros' bullpen held on for the win in the third game of the ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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July 2: Rays 8, Astros 0

Tampa Bay punished the Astros' for the second consecutive night at Minute Maid Park.
Record: 30-54.

July 2: Rays 8, Astros 0

Tampa Bay punished the Astros' for the second consecutive night at Minute Maid Park.
Record: 30-54.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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July 1: Rays 12, Astros 0

It was another ugly result at Minute Maid Park as Tampa Bay took Houston to the woodshed.
Record: 30-53.

July 1: Rays 12, Astros 0

It was another ugly result at Minute Maid Park as Tampa Bay took Houston to the woodshed.
Record: 30-53.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 82 of 164

June 30: Angles 3, Astros 1

The Angels came to town and swept the field with the Astros, a 3-1 victory capped the three-game sweep by Los Angeles.
Record: 30-52.

June 30: Angles 3, Astros 1

The Angels came to town and swept the field with the Astros, a 3-1 victory capped the three-game sweep by Los Angeles.
Record: 30-52.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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June 29: Angles 7, Astros 2

Josh Hamilton robbed a homer and the Angels beat up on Jordan Lyles as they sealed the series victory against the Astros.
Record: 30-51.

June 29: Angles 7, Astros 2

Josh Hamilton robbed a homer and the Angels beat up on Jordan Lyles as they sealed the series victory against the Astros.
Record: 30-51.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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June 28: Angles 4, Astros 2

Errors cost the Astros the series opener against the Angles as two unearned runs proved to be the difference.
Record: 30-50.

June 28: Angles 4, Astros 2

Errors cost the Astros the series opener against the Angles as two unearned runs proved to be the difference.
Record: 30-50.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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June 26: Astros 4, Cardinals 3

Erik Bedard settled into the game nicely after allowing a two-run homer in the first inning and the Astros were able to score four runs in the 4th inning to prevent the Cardinals from winning both games of the short series.
Record: 30-49. less

June 26: Astros 4, Cardinals 3

Erik Bedard settled into the game nicely after allowing a two-run homer in the first inning and the Astros were able to score four runs in the 4th inning to prevent the ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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June 25: Cardinals 13, Astros 5

St. Louis had an impressive return to Minute Maid Park, crushing Houston, a former divisional rival.
Record: 29-49.

June 25: Cardinals 13, Astros 5

St. Louis had an impressive return to Minute Maid Park, crushing Houston, a former divisional rival.
Record: 29-49.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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June 23: Cubs 14, Astros 6

Houston had an ugly performance marred by errors in the series finale at Wrigley Field.
Record: 29-48.

June 23: Cubs 14, Astros 6

Houston had an ugly performance marred by errors in the series finale at Wrigley Field.
Record: 29-48.

Photo: David Banks / Getty Images

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June 22: Astros 4, Cubs 3

A game-tying three-run homer from J.D. Martinez in the sixth inning and a go-ahead ninth-inning run from Justin Maxwell led the Astros to the series tying win at Wrigley Field.
Record: 29-47. less

June 22: Astros 4, Cubs 3

A game-tying three-run homer from J.D. Martinez in the sixth inning and a go-ahead ninth-inning run from Justin Maxwell led the Astros to the series tying win at Wrigley ... more

Photo: Joe Raymond / Associated Press

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June 21: Cubs 3, Astros 1

Houston lost its first game at Wrigley Field as an American League team.
Record: 28-47.

June 21: Cubs 3, Astros 1

Houston lost its first game at Wrigley Field as an American League team.
Record: 28-47.

Photo: Paul Beaty / Associated Press

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June 20: Astros 7, Brewers 4 (10 innings)

Astros first baseman Carlos Pena is doused with water as he hugs teammate Carlos Corporan after hitting a three-run walk-off home run in the 10th inning.
Record: 28-46. less

June 20: Astros 7, Brewers 4 (10 innings)

Astros first baseman Carlos Pena is doused with water as he hugs teammate Carlos Corporan after hitting a three-run walk-off home run in the 10th inning.
Record: ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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June 19: Brewers 3, Astros 1

Hector Ambriz gave up a two-run homer to Rickie Weeks in the eighth inning that gave the Brewers the lead for good.
Record: 27-46.

June 19: Brewers 3, Astros 1

Hector Ambriz gave up a two-run homer to Rickie Weeks in the eighth inning that gave the Brewers the lead for good.
Record: 27-46.

With a game left against Chicago, Houston secured a series win against the White Sox on Father's Day.
Record: 26-44.

June 16: Astros 5, White Sox 5

With a game left against Chicago, Houston secured a series win against the White Sox on Father's Day.
Record: 26-44.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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June 15: Astros 4, White Sox 3

Jose Veras picked off Jordan Danks at second to end the game and seal a third straight victory for the Astros.
Record: 25-44.

June 15: Astros 4, White Sox 3

Jose Veras picked off Jordan Danks at second to end the game and seal a third straight victory for the Astros.
Record: 25-44.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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June 14: Astros 2, White Sox 1

Erik Bedard was magical and the Astros started the four-game series on the right foot by beating the White Sox - with their ace Chris Sale on the mound.
Record: 24-44.

June 14: Astros 2, White Sox 1

Erik Bedard was magical and the Astros started the four-game series on the right foot by beating the White Sox - with their ace Chris Sale on the mound.
Record: 24-44.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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June 12: Astros 6, Mariners 1

The Astros broke open the flood gates in the ninth inning, hanging six runs on the Mariners and salvaging one win out of the three-game series. They also snapped a six-game losing streak in the process.
Record: 23-44. less

June 12: Astros 6, Mariners 1

The Astros broke open the flood gates in the ninth inning, hanging six runs on the Mariners and salvaging one win out of the three-game series. They also snapped a six-game ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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June 11: Mariners 4, Astros 0

Mariners pitcher Aaron Harang shutout the Astros while surrendering only two hits as Seattle took the second straight game of the series.
Record: 22-44.

June 11: Mariners 4, Astros 0

Mariners pitcher Aaron Harang shutout the Astros while surrendering only two hits as Seattle took the second straight game of the series.
Record: 22-44.

Photo: Stephen Brashear / Getty Images

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June 10: Mariners 3, Astros 2

Seattle took the first matchup of a three-game set against Houston.
Record: 22-43.

June 10: Mariners 3, Astros 2

Seattle took the first matchup of a three-game set against Houston.
Record: 22-43.